July 21, 2013

Offensive lineman Ryan Cook fails conditioning test

After the Cowboys drafted center Travis Frederick with their first-round pick, Ryan Cook became something of an afterthought even though he started 11 games for the Cowboys last season. He didn't help himself Saturday by failing the conditioning test.

Receiver Andre Holmes, running back Felix Jones and safety Brodney Pool failed the conditioning test last year much to the irritation of the Cowboys. Cowboys officials, though, seem unconcerned about Cook, tackle Demetress Bell and receiver Lavasier Tuinei's failure to complete the test Saturday.

"I think it’s a little different this time around," Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said. "I mean, you do have, we’re talking about offensive linemen and then we’re talking about a receiver who just worked out, so it’s a little unfair when he hasn’t had a chance to train for a test like this. Anyone who’s ever run these tests knows if you train for them and get ready for them, you should be able to pass them, especially skill position guys. Last year I think that was what was frustrating for us is we had some skill guys who knew what was coming and didn’t pass the test. This year, we’re not as concerned."

The Cowboys are thin at guard with Cook out as well as Nate Livings (foot) and Ronald Leary (calf), neither of whom attempted the conditioning test. The other starting guard, Mackenzy Bernadeau, injured his hamstring during the conditioning test and is out as well.

The Cowboys had David Arkin and Kevin Kowalski as their first-team guards during the walkthrough Sunday. Rookie center Travis Frederick and Phil Costa both will get work at guard during Sunday's first practice, offensive line coach Bill Callahan said.